The Transforaminal Approach To Lumbar Epidural Injections
Lumbar transforaminal epidural injections are done to alleviate radiating leg pain and low back pain. There are two basic types of spinal epidurals injections with pain management. One is intra-laminar, which is the simpler method with the medication being injected right underneath the bone. The one discussed here is transforaminal epidural injections, where the medication is placed in the area where the nerve root emanates from the spinal canal.
The steroid medication can reduce the swelling and inflammation caused by spinal conditions such as spinal stenosis, radiculopathy, sciatica, and herniated discs. The patient lies face down. A cushion is placed under the stomach area to provide comfort and to flex the back.
This position causes the spine to pull allowing for easier access to the epidural space. The AZ pain doctor uses a fluoroscope to locate the appropriate lumbar vertebra and nerve root and a local anesthetic numbs the skin. All of the tissue down to the surface of the vertebral transverse process is anesthetized. The doctor inserts a thin bent needle with a slightly curved point all the way through the anaesthetized path.
With the aid of fluoroscopy x-ray, the doctor carefully inserts the needle near the nerve root into the foraminal space. The doctor injects a dye material and uses the x-ray machine, called a fluoroscope, to see the pained aras and confirm appropriate location of the needle tip. A steroid anesthetic mix is injected into the foraminal epidural space bathing the painful nerve root with soothing medication. the needle is taken out and the tiny needle surface wound is covered with a small band aid. In certain instances, it can be necessary to perform the procedure up to 3 times every few months to achieve full medication benefit. However, a lot of patients obtain significant relief after only one or a couple injections.
Other pain managment options could be very beneficial along with epidural injections. These may include physical therapy, phoenix chiropractic, spinal decompression, and pain medications.
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